Medford wages lower than national average

Medford, Ore. -- New numbers released this week by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found people who live in Medford make an average 11% less than the rest of the country

While the numbers were released this week, they reflect wages from May of 2013.

The average hourly wage in Medford was at $19.85, below the national of $22.33.

"It's a combination of lower wages and a lot of occupational categories," said Guy Tauer, a regional economist.

Tauer also says part of the reason Medford worker are paid less is because of the lack of jobs that have higher pay. They simply aren't located here.

"Companies tend to move where there's more training and education. And a greater pool of the workforce," Tauer said

On the contrary, there is a higher concentration of loggers, clergy's, and healthcare workers.

"It's not all a downside, we have some areas that are bright spots, if we look at our wages and employment."

While the average hourly wage maybe higher in places Portland or San Francisco, the cost of living in Medford is substantially lower, and in someways improves our quality of life.

"It's been referred to as a second paycheck that you get by living in a place where you don't have a 2 hour commute from where you live to where you work. And some of those issues folks in bigger cities have," Tauer Said.

To see how your profession stacks up nationally, you can view the full report by clicking here.

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